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Michael DulaneyKalgoorlie Miner Kalgoorlie-Boulder Vietnam Veterans’ Association members gathered at the Vietnam War memorial in Centennial Park yesterday ahead of a commemorative service
this Sunday to mark the 47th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan. A pipe band will lead the veterans’ march at 11am and the Australian and New Zealand national anthems will be performed by
the Goldfields Brass Band. President Vic Dale said the anniversary was an important day for Vietnam veterans and the public to remember the sacrifice of those who took part in the war. “We
sometimes get a lot of Vietnam veterans travelling around who are in the Goldfields at the time – they are always welcome,” he said. Mr Dale said although it was not the only battle in which
Australian soldiers had fought, over the years it had come to be the most prominent battle identified with the Vietnam War. “(Long-Tan) is the most significant battle that Australia took
part in during the Vietnman War,” Mr Dale said. “It’s a bit like Gallipoli in some ways, because it has become synonymous with the war. “(The importance of the day) is on both sides, the
diggers coming together to remember the past, but it’s also about the public coming together to honour the sacrifice and remember the past.” GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR
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